[SustainableTompkins] Changing transportation habits- another tip-full article

[Marian Brown]

Hi, Evan. I haven't seen any of these, but they're all good ones! For 
some time now, I have been using my cruise control to override my 
"leadfoot" tendencies in order to drive at or below the posted speed 
limit. I do find that I have become the object of great frustration to 
drivers behind me, who tailgate me until they whip out and zoom past me 
in obvious pique. Few "one finger salutes" so far... but I can tell they 
are not happy with the "mobile speed bump" that I am creating.

I often WISH I had a bumper sticker that read:

I am driving the speed limit.
I am saving gas.
I am still arriving on time.
What's YOUR hurry?

Marian


EJW wrote:
> Has anyone seen any bumper stickers touting more "conservative" driving
> habits?
>
> Some I'd like to see:
>
> - Rapid Acceleration wastes gas
> - Slow down, save oil (gas)
> - Driving smart to save gas
> - Speed kills... your gas mileage
> - I drive slowly for the environment
> - Slow global warming - drive slower
>
>
> Evan
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: sustainabletompkins-bounces at lists.mutualaid.org
> [mailto:sustainabletompkins-bounces at lists.mutualaid.org] On Behalf Of Elan
> Shapiro
> Sent: Sunday, June 29, 2008 10:36 PM
> To: sustainabletompkins at lists.mutualaid.org;
> village-plus at ecovillage.ithaca.ny.us
> Subject: [SustainableTompkins] Changing transportation habits- another
> tip-full article
>
> http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008806250310
>
> Climate Change 101: Changing your habits can minimize your 'footprint'
>   Elizabeth Humbert ,  PRI
> June 25, 2008
>
> Transportation - how we get around town, around the country, around 
> the world - has an impact on everyone right now. Whether climate 
> change is of concern to you or whether you are just concerned about 
> the amount of money you are spending at the pump, you should be aware 
> that every gallon of gasoline burned puts 26 pounds of carbon dioxide 
> into the atmosphere, and those gallons of gas will continue to come 
> at higher and higher prices. Although the problem is large and needs 
> to be considered on a national level, there are changes you can make 
> that will lessen the amount of carbon dioxide your car puts into the 
> atmosphere, and keep more money in your wallet. Many of these ideas 
> are surprisingly easy and available to everyone.
>
> Drive less
>
> The most obvious trick? Drive less! Turn many small trips into one 
> big one. Carpool with co-workers or neighbors. Take the bus or bike 
> in. Work out a telecommuting arrangement, so that you can work from 
> home a day or two each week, or work four 10-hour days, and take the 
> fifth day off.
>
> Look for fuel-efficiency
>
> Buy a fuel-efficient car. If you buy a new car that gets 10 more 
> miles to the gallon than your old car, you will reduce the annual 
> amount of carbon dioxide emitted by about 2,500 pounds. The new 
> gas-electric hybrids are increasingly efficient and available in more 
> options than just Toyota's Prius. Family sedans and small SUV's are 
> offered as hybrids, and though perhaps less fuel efficient than a 
> smaller hybrid, they still offer gas mileage as high as 40 miles to 
> the gallon in certain driving scenarios.
>
> Work with what you have
>
> Increase your current vehicle's fuel efficiency.
> According to the Transportation Research Board, a poorly tuned engine 
> can use up to 50 percent more fuel and produces up to 50 percent more 
> emissions than one that is running properly. Clean your air filters: 
> clogged filters can decrease fuel efficiency by almost 10 percent. 
> Inflate your tires properly: underinflated tires can decrease fuel 
> efficiency by more than 5 percent. Change your oil frequently: this 
> impacts many of the moving systems within the car's engine and can 
> dramatically affect your miles per gallon.
>
> Change how you drive.
> According to fueleconomy.gov, "jackrabbit" driving (fast acceleration 
> and quick braking) can increase fuel consumption by 40 percent, and 
> generally gets you to your destination only 4 percent quicker. What a 
> waste! Instead accelerate slowly and smoothly, get in to high gear as 
> quickly as possible, then use cruise control to maintain a steady 
> speed (when possible). Maintaining a lower cruising speed (55 mph 
> instead of 75 mph) can decrease fuel consumption by 20 percent.
>
> At any time of year, idling your vehicle wastes fuel.
>   If you will be stopped longer than 30 seconds, turn off your car. 
> Avoid using air conditioning. It can decrease fuel efficiency by 10 
> percent, particularly in city driving. Interestingly, though, at high 
> speeds, it is more efficient to use the A/C than open windows, which 
> increases drag resistance on the car. Tighten your gas cap. According 
> to the Car Care Council, 147 million gallons of gas evaporate every 
> year because of loose, lost, or damaged gas caps...
>
> Consider buying carbon offsets when you go on long road trips.
>   With the money spent on the offset, renewable energy, energy 
> efficiency, and reforestation projects are funded. These projects 
> result in long-term lower carbon dioxide emissions.
>
> The Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) and its Museum of the 
> Earth's Climate Change 101 series appears monthly in the Life 
> section. It is written by Education Resources Manager, Elizabeth 
> Humbert.
>
>